December 19: In its untiring efforts to dismantle the network of illegal extraction and transportation of sand and other minerals and dumping of the materials in the preserved marshy and wetlands in Srinagar city, Police have seized twelve tippers/dumpers for carrying illegally extracted minerals, sand, gravel, clay etc.

Police seized 06 tippers bearing registration nos.13B 8562, JK01M 7021, JK04A 2603, JK03G 3175, JK01M 4081, JK01J 3021 that were found involved in the illegal transportation of sand/gravel/clay from different locations of Bemina, Budgam and surrounding areas. Action under Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act has been taken in collaboration with Geology and Mining Department. Pertinently, three tippers have been challaned under the provisions of Motor Vehicles Act for traffic violations.

Similarly, Police Post Qamarwari seized three tippers transporting clay illegally for land filling at Qamarwari which includes tippers bearing registration nos. JK04A 2063 driven by Bilal Ahmad Dar resident of Nasrullahpora, Budgam, JK13A-5790 driven by Ajaz Ahmad Beigh resident of Qadipora, Budgam and JK04B 0876 driven by Mehrajudin Beigh resident of Qadipora, Budgam. Action under MMDR Act has been taken aganist these violators.

In another action, Police Station Shalteng seized three heavy vehicles carrying mining materials illegally towards Srinagar which includes vehicles bearing registration nos. JK03D 1146 driven by Basharat Gul resident of Wuyan, JK02AK 2399 driven by Mohd Afzal resident of Summerbugh and JK011 4184 driven by Sajad Ah Dar resident of Pampore. These vehicles were seized and action under MMDR Act has been initiated.

This decisive action of J&K Police is part of the ongoing efforts to combat unauthorized mining activities which plague the region and Srinagar city, in particular. Police have issued strict warning to those who are involved in illegal extraction/transportation of minor minerals to avoid this illegal practice.

J&K Police is resolutely committed to curbing the scourge of illegal extraction/transportation of sand and other minerals and filling of the marshy areas and wetlands illegally in Srinagar and it's outskirts to safeguard the environment and prevent ecological damage that poses serious health risks to the local residents.